Man charged with felonies after chase

NORTH VERNON — A North Vernon man was arrested on multiple drug charges after a chase at about 10:25 a.m. Friday which started in an alley near Walnut Street.

Blake A. Schultz, 29, North Vernon, was arrested on charges of:

Dealing methamphetamine over 3 grams, Class A felony

Possession of methamphetamine and a handgun, Class B felony

Possession of methamphetamine over 3 grams, Class C felony

Dealing a controlled substance, Class B felony

Possession of a schedule II controlled substance, Class D felony

Possession of a scheduled III controlled substance, Class D felony

Possession of a scheduled IV controlled substance, Class D felony

Possession of a syringe, Class D felony

Possession of paraphernalia, Class D felony

Resisting law enforcement in a vehicle, Class D felony

Resisting law enforcement (fleeing on foot), Class A misdemeanor

Indiana State Police said Trooper Randel Miller had attempted to stop a Chevrolet Blazer Schultz was driving because the officer knew Schultz’s driver’s license was suspended. According to Miller, Schultz fled through the alley for two to three blocks at speeds up to 60 mph.

When Schultz reached a “T” intersection, he was going too fast to make the turn on to Vernon Street, Miller said. Schultz jumped out and fled on foot as the Blazer continued moving, striking a utility pole. Schultz fled through a field, yard, across railroad tracks and through a wooded area, Miller said. A short time later, North Vernon Officer Mike Pirty located Schultz in a garage on Greensburg Street, Miller said. Schultz was attempting to hide under a stack of mattresses.

When Miller’s K-9 partner Jinx searched the Blazer, the dog helped police find .5 grams of crystal meth, six syringes, a handgun, digital scale, 12 Dilaudid pills, 17 Clonazapam pills, 16 Hydrocodone pills and various paraphernalia. Schultz was transported to Jennings County Jail where he is being held without bond.